’Tis the season to be jolly, which means lots of laughter, little chocolates, and of course, libations.
But we have good news: If you work at one of these 10 companies, come January, you don’t have to pack away your merry spirit with your holiday lights. That’s because their cheery and festive office traditions will have you donning gay apparel—or at least pouring the cocktails—all year long.
1. Zoosk
Zoosk, an online dating company, is all about bringing people together—so it’s no surprise its office likes to get together, too.
But these shindigs aren’t your average fruit-platter-and-Fanta affairs. The company’s resident party-planning committee is always coming up with entertaining, unique activities, from Oktoberfest to summer picnics and potlucks. Oh, and lots and lots of happy hours.
So if you want to give couples a happy ending while enjoying your own happy end to the workday, you should definitely join the Zoosk team.
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2. Her Campus
Her Campus is the top-ranked global community for college women. The company is always racking up awards (Top Small Business of the Year by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s 30 Under 30, and Businessweek’s 25 Under 25, just to name a few), but the office definitely hasn’t had to sacrifice fun for excellence.
Every couple of weeks, Her Campus throws a themed happy hour. Employees go all out for these: A ’90s throwback happy hour had people dressing up in pigtails and plaid, and the Audrey Hepburn happy hour meant lots of black dresses and pearls.
The one theme that never changes? “We’re always working to deliver the best product possible, help college students and clients achieve all their goals, and have fun while doing it!” says Brittany Lewis, director of community development and strategic programming.
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3. The Standard
As a company, The Standard has a lot of experience in being merry. It’s a collection of upscale hotels in New York, Miami, Hollywood, and downtown LA—in other words, it’s The Standard’s business to provide great times in great places.
Of course, its employees derive full benefit from this lively culture. “To work here as a staff member is almost as fun as it is to stay here as a guest,” says Jessica, associate director of sales.
Employees gather at the Frying Restaurant to eat, drink, and socialize as a family. And twice a year, everyone from the bellhops to the CEO gets together for a huge bash with music, dancing, food, and of course, an open bar.
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4. Pinterest
Pinterest’s mission is to connect people online through the interests they share. Its employees like to connect as well—preferably over some mean mojitos at the weekly happy hour. The office gathers around the beloved foosball table (a centerpiece of their back room) to talk, laugh, and eat.
Other things to look forward to include the visits from the taco truck and Ultimate Frisbee competitions (the company is even looking to challenge other startups in the area to a couple games.)
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5. Quantcast
At Quantcast, a digital advertising company that specializes in audience measurement and real-time advertising, people take every opportunity to have a good time. What does that mean? Think catered lunches and dinners, so employees can socialize and mingle with co-workers they might not normally see during the workday. Think Friday happy hours and whipping out the engineering team’s homemade kegerator so the team can start off the weekend with a bang.
And finally, think electronic scooter races (we’re not making this up), fierce ping-pong battles, and walks across the streets to have drinks at B Bar or House of Shields.
It’s no wonder the San Francisco Business Times named Quantcast one of San Francisco’s “Best Places to Work.”
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6. Mutual Mobile
Those who work at Mutual Mobile, an emerging tech agency, love their city, Austin, Texas. They often hit the town, trying hot new restaurants, visiting old favorites, and taking advantage of the many events in Austin.
Not only does the company organize many of these trips, but employees plan them on their own as well. That’s thanks to Mutual Mobile’s famous family culture. From delicious office potlucks and volleyball tournaments to weekly happy hours, the team is always spending quality time together.
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7. Chartboost
Chartboost builds technology to help mobile game developers generate revenue from their games. So you could say the company is in the business of fun.
And the culture definitely reflects that: Not only is the physical office colorful, bright, and cheery, but it’s stocked with cool stuff like old-school arcade machines, life-size LEGOs, ping-pong and pool tables, a bean bag lounge area, and a “SWAG” wall.
In terms of food and drink, you can waltz up to the amazing rooftop garden for some liquor and laughter or grab something good from the fully stocked kitchen. From company breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to the renowned holiday party talent show to the Game Club—there’s something fun for everyone.
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8. Tequila Casa Dragones
When the word “tequila” shows up in the company name, you know you’re in for a lively workplace. Tequila Casa Dragones is an independent, small batch tequila producer with an impressive number of awards (like “Tastemaker’s Top Tequila” from Forbes magazine). You could say the company embodies the “work hard, play hard” spirit: It’s always partnering with chefs and restaurants to find delicious and decadent tequila-and-meal pairings and throwing events like the MesaAbierta festival in Mexico.
So if you appreciate great alcohol, a fast-paced company culture, and luxury, you’ll definitely want to eat, drink, and be merry at Casa Dragones.
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9. OwnLocal
OwnLocal, a digital ad agency for local media, knows how to give its employees amazing memories. Each quarter, the team goes on a cool outing; the most recent trip was a deep-sea fishing expedition in Galveston, Texas. Everyone got to bond over delicious meals and try out something new and special, since OwnLocal recognizes the dream reward varies on an individual basis.
The office also participated in the Austin Olympics, a networking event for startups in the area. The games included mechanical bull riding, a giant Connect board, and the opportunity for new local businesses to get to know each other in a fun and laid-back atmosphere.
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10. XO Group
XO Group helps its audience celebrate the most important moments in life, from weddings to pregnancies and everything in between. The emphasis on milestones—and making them memorable—is mirrored in the company’s values.
Employees say they love working at XO Group “because of the fun events and sweet treats,” “the co-workers that feel like family,” and the “creative, supportive” environment.
There’s also the Thirsty Thursdays (past themes have included World Cup and Bastille Day), Donuts With Mike (the first company forum we’ve heard of that includes Dunkin’), and the packed game room.
And each year, XO Group hosts The Knot Gala, one of NY Bridal Fashion Week’s biggest events. Not only do a ton of stars show up, but the food, outfits, and venue are always amazing.